Used Vauxhall Insignia: Buyer's Guide
A pre-owned Vauxhall Insignia offers sharp design, comfortable handling, and an interior that feels a step above its price point. With IntelliLux LED headlights, a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and generous space, this used Insignia makes an ideal large family car that is both reassuringly safe and enjoyable to drive.
Used Vauxhall Insignia Popular Trims
| Trim Level |
Details |
| Design |
The foundation of the range. Offers all the essential safety and tech features you need, including a crisp 7-inch colour touchscreen and air conditioning. |
| SRi |
The sweet spot for drivers. Adds a sportier edge with 17-inch alloy wheels, sports front seats, and ambient interior lighting for a cooler look. |
| SRi VX-Line Nav |
The tech-lover's choice with aggressive styling. Boasts a larger 8-inch Navi Pro system, VXR styling cues, and a perforated leather steering wheel. |
| Elite Nav |
Pure luxury for the ultimate experience. Indulge in leather seat facings, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights. |
Used Vauxhall Insignia Popular Battery & Drivetrain Options
| Battery / Drivetrain |
Details |
| 1.5 Turbo Petrol (165PS) |
Punchy and refined. Delivers a spirited drive that's perfect for both city streets and open roads, offering a smooth alternative for lower mileage drivers. |
| 1.6 Turbo D (136PS) |
The efficiency champion. Ideal for high-mileage drivers, offering a relaxed cruising ability with impressive fuel efficiency for long weekends away. |
| 2.0 Turbo D (170PS) |
The strong all-rounder. A powerhouse of torque ideally suited for towing or heavy loads, making it a robust choice for the Sports Tourer. |
Used Vauxhall Insignia Practicality
Space and comfort are woven into the fabric of the Insignia's design, proving you can have space and pace.
- Boot Space: The Sports Tourer's 560-litre boot swallows holiday luggage with ease, expanding to a massive 1,665 litres for big adventures.
- Legroom: Rear passengers enjoy class-leading legroom, ensuring comfort for adults on long journeys.
- Ease of Use: The Sports Tourer features a low load lip and wide opening, simplifying the loading of heavy items, while keyless entry makes getting going effortless.
Used Vauxhall Insignia Key Features
Key Features:
- Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, keeping your digital life seamlessly synced.
- Safety Tech: Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking are included on all models for peace of mind.
- Comfort: Dual-zone climate control allows driver and passenger to find their perfect temperature.
Desirable Options:
- IntelliLux LED Matrix Headlights: Significantly improve night-time visibility without dazzling others, adapting to the road ahead.
- Head-Up Display: Projects key info onto the windscreen so you never have to take your eyes off the road.
- Winter Pack: Adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, perfect for cold mornings.
Used Vauxhall Insignia Reliability Rating
Built to last, the Insignia is a generally dependable vehicle, but a thorough check is always recommended to ensure peace of mind.
What to Check on a Test Drive:
- Electronics: Swipe through the menus to ensure the infotainment screen and dashboard display function correctly without flickering.
- Gearbox: Ensure gear changes are smooth and there are no unusual noises, particularly on 2.0-litre diesels.
- Suspension: Listen for any knocks from the suspension over bumps, which could indicate worn bushes.
- Clutch: Test for any judder when pulling away to ensure the dual-mass flywheel is in good condition.
Used Vauxhall Insignia Safety Rating
Your safety is paramount in the Insignia, making it a safe choice for you and your family.
- Euro NCAP: Achieved a maximum 5-star rating in 2017, reassuring you of its structural integrity.
- Occupant Protection: Scored an impressive 93% for adult occupant protection and 85% for child occupants.
- Active Safety: Standard AEB and Lane Keep Assist contribute to a high safety assist score.
Awards for the Used Vauxhall Insignia
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards: Winner of 'Upper Medium Car of the Year'.
- Carbuyer Best Car Awards: Highly commended in the 'Best Large Family Car' category.
- Tow Car Awards: Recognized for its stability and pulling power.
Who is the Used Vauxhall Insignia Best For?
- High-Mileage Drivers: The efficient diesel engines and comfortable ride make it perfect for motorway commuting.
- Families: The vast boot space and rear legroom easily accommodate children and luggage.
- Tech Fans: The excellent connectivity and available advanced driver aids will appeal to gadget lovers.
Key Alternatives to Consider:
- Ford Mondeo: A direct rival offering similar space and a sharp driving experience.
- Skoda Superb: Known for its cavernous interior space and practical features.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Used Vauxhall Insignia
Is the Vauxhall Insignia comfortable for long motorway journeys?
The Vauxhall Insignia is designed to be an exceptional long-distance cruiser, prioritising occupant comfort and cabin refinement.
- Ride Quality: The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a supple and smooth ride on motorways.
- Noise Insulation: The cabin is well-insulated, keeping wind and road noise to a minimum for a serene environment.
- Seating: The spacious interior offers generous legroom, ensuring passengers remain relaxed during extended trips.
How does the Vauxhall Insignia IntelliLux LED lighting system work?
The advanced IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights enhance night-time visibility by automatically adapting the beam pattern to driving conditions.
- Adaptive Technology: The system uses 84 LED elements per headlight to shape the light beam precisely.
- Anti-Dazzle: It automatically dips specific sections of the high beam to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers while keeping the rest of the road illuminated.
- Enhanced Safety: This technology significantly improves visibility on unlit roads, contributing to a safer driving experience.
What connectivity features does the Vauxhall Insignia infotainment system offer?
The Insignia comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity features to keep you integrated while on the move.
- Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing seamless mirroring of your smartphone's apps.
- Touchscreen Interface: The system is controlled via a responsive 7-inch or 8-inch colour touchscreen.
- OnStar Services: Selected models feature Vauxhall's OnStar system, providing a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and emergency assistance.
Does the Vauxhall Insignia have good visibility for parking?
The Vauxhall Insignia offers generally good visibility, supported by helpful driver assistance technologies to make parking easier.
- Forward View: The driving position provides a clear view of the road ahead, aiding in precise maneuvering.
- Parking Sensors: Front and rear parking sensors are widely available to assist with judging distances in tight spaces.
- Reversing Camera: Later models introduced a reversing camera and rear cross-traffic alert to further enhance rearward visibility.
How do the AGR ergonomic seats improve comfort in the Vauxhall Insignia?
The AGR-certified ergonomic seats are engineered to provide superior support and reduce fatigue during long drives.
- Adjustability: These seats offer extensive adjustment options, including lumbar support and extendable thigh support.
- Health Certification: They are certified by the German Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR) for their back-friendly design.
- Premium Features: Higher trim levels may include additional comforts like heating, cooling, and massage functions.
Is the Vauxhall Insignia compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the Vauxhall Insignia features full compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
- Seamless Connection: Connect your smartphone via USB to access your music, maps, and contacts directly on the car's display.
- Voice Control: Use voice commands to operate key functions without taking your hands off the wheel.
- App Access: Enjoy your favourite compatible apps through the vehicle's intuitive touchscreen interface.
What is the real-world fuel efficiency of the Vauxhall Insignia diesel engines?
The diesel engines in the Vauxhall Insignia are designed to deliver impressive fuel economy for cost-effective motoring.
- 1.6-litre Turbo D: This efficient engine can achieve a claimed figure of up to 65.7 mpg.
- 2.0-litre Turbo D: The more powerful 2.0-litre unit typically returns fuel economy in the high 40s mpg range.
- CO2 Emissions: The 1.6-litre diesel offers low CO2 emissions from 112 g/km, beneficial for tax savings.
How does the FlexRide system change the Vauxhall Insignia driving experience?
The FlexRide adaptive damping system allows you to tailor the car's driving characteristics to suit your preference and road conditions.
- Mode Selection: Choose between 'Standard', 'Sport', and 'Tour' modes to alter the suspension stiffness.
- Dynamic Response: The system adjusts steering feel and throttle response for a sharper or more relaxed drive.
- GSi Competition Mode: On GSi models, an exclusive 'Competition' mode further enhances handling for a sportier experience.
Can the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer accommodate large family loads easily?
The Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer is highly practical and well-suited for carrying large loads and family luggage.
- Boot Capacity: It offers a generous 560 litres of space with the rear seats in place.
- Extended Space: Folding the rear seats expands the capacity to a massive 1,665 litres.
- Easy Loading: The low load lip and wide boot opening make loading heavy or bulky items straightforward.
